Consider Your Downtown LA Itinerary Officially Sleighed
When the skyline of Downtown Los Angeles glitters with 18 million lights and peppermint-mochas become an afternoon accessory, you know the holidays have landed in full city-style mode. It’s an unexpected kind of winter-wonder-land where the metropolis meets the magic. At the heart of this festive scene sits The Bloc. Think walkable open-air shopping, photo-worthy courtyards and seasonal sparkle around every corner. And the show-stopper? Sparkle DTLA, the grand holiday debut that transforms The Bloc into the ultimate Downtown LA holiday events hub. Here’s how to spend the perfect holiday day at The Bloc, where city style meets festive spirit.
MORNING: Brunch + Caffeine + Cozy Shopping
“Guests can start their day with coffee and shopping then end the night with dinner, cocktails and a magical light show. They can even get here by Metro hassle-free.” -The BLOC
Start your day at The Bloc with a brunch scene that says “holiday fun” without sacrificing chic. Head to District DTLA where plates arrive with city-view confidence and you might even treat yourself to a holiday mimosa. If you’re bringing little ones, swing by Breakfast with Santa at JOEY DTLA on Dec. 13 from 8:30–10:30am for a merry start to the morning. After fueling up, wander to the next stop: Starbucks for a peppermint mocha or pistachio latte, perfect fuel for strolling under the city lights. Then it’s time for retail. Pop into UNIQLO at The Bloc and hunt cozy knits, winter layers or LA-inspired streetwear. With hot brunch done and bags in hand, you’ll be fully immersed in DTLA holiday shopping mode.
MIDDAY: Matinee Magic + Market Moments
As the sun dips, trade shopping bags for popcorn at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema inside The Bloc. Catch a festive flick like Elf or Love Actually, sink-into-plush seats, sip a themed cocktail and let yourself relax in movie-time comfort. Afterwards, explore holiday pop-up markets nearby. You can browse local makers, handmade jewelry, candles and curated gifts that take your stocking-stuffing into chic territory. Even better, December brings family-friendly extras like pet photos with Santa (on Dec. 14) or weekend events built for merriment. It’s the perfect midday combo of cinema comfort and seasonal discovery.
AFTERNOON: Sip, Snack + Sightsee
By afternoon you’ll want a social break, and The Bloc delivers. Slide into JOEY DTLA for happy-hour holiday cocktails and small plates while people-watching in the bar that catches the light just right. Then take your drink outside, stroll The Bloc courtyard beneath and pause for live music or snap selfies under the LA lights. This is when festive things to do in DTLA really start to shine. It’s the ideal mix of casual but stylish, paired with a drink in hand, lights overhead and holiday sparkle.
EVENING: Sparkle DTLA Grand Debut + Festive Fun
“The Bloc’s grand debut is all about creating shared moments, from lighting the tree together to enjoying performances by LA artists. It’s where the heart of downtown LA comes alive and the community gathers to celebrate the season as one.” -The BLOC
When the clock hits 5 p.m., prepare for the main attraction: Sparkle DTLA’s light show. Beginning Dec. 6, The Bloc courtyard becomes an ambitious animated display: 18 million lights choreographed to music, including a 32-foot tree and a 16-foot ornament tunnel. Each hour from roughly 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. you’ll catch a show that draws oohs, ahhs and photo ops galore. The grand debut celebration features appearances by Santa and the Grinch, along with family crafts and live performances by the Colburn Concert Choir. Singer Jillian Rossi is set to take the stage, electrifying the plaza with powerhouse vocals and pure holiday magic. Throughout the season the nightly spectacles mean you can return for Downtown LA winter events long after the first night.
NIGHTCAP: Toast to the City Lights
As the day winds down, circle back to JOEY DTLA or linger on The Bloc terrace beneath those twinkle lights. Order one last festive cocktail and soak in the joy with communal energy, city shimmer and holiday warmth. If you’re still buzzing, wander a few blocks to nearby holiday happenings such as Grand Park’s Winter Glow or the Pershing Square ice rink for extra sparkle. Because when you’re in DTLA this time of year, the lights stay on in your memory.
“The Bloc truly has it all, shopping, dining, art and entertainment within an open-air, beautifully decorated space that captures the spirit of the holidays.” -The BLOC
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
